As the daughter of an Air Force test pilot, Melinda moved constantly as a child… Travel is in her blood.  She spent much of her high school years in the Philippines, and was able to travel throughout the far east.  After receiving a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Florida, she began her career in Boston... then was lured to NYC with an offer to become the Art Director for WABC-TV. After 2 years she relocated to Los Angeles to start her own business- Lawton Design.  www.lawtondesign.com.

      She earned two National Emmy Award Nominations for her work in Main Title Design  for film and television.

      Her passion of making jewelry jumped to the forefront when she realized that the jewelry she was creating out of beautiful gemstones for herself in her spare time, could become another outlet for her creativity. As a designer for film and television for almost 30 years, Melinda has always seen the world in color, texture, form, and movement. This background was perfect as she transitioned into jewelry design.

      In 2003, Melinda Lawton Jewelry was born. Her jewelry is truly unforgettable… handmade with precious and semi-precious stones and metals.  Worn by Carrie Underwood when she won American Idol, and featured in many National magazines, including InStyle, Lucky, Modern Bride, Latina, etc. Melinda is now debuting her Diamond and Gemstone collection.   

      After 28 years in Los Angeles, Melinda moved to the mountains of North Carolina 10 years ago, where she opened Sweet Magnolia Gallery, the flagship store/studio of Melinda Lawton Jewelry in Hendersonville. Her jewelry is also featured in the curated collections of the Grand Bohemian Galleries in Asheville,NC, Charleston,SC, St.Augustine, FL, Birmingham, AL, and two in Savannah, GA, as well as other galleries. Melinda is a southern girl at heart... her ancestors were from the low country near Charleston, SC. 

       Her jewelry is timeless with strong roots in antique style. Using bold color combinations, and the finest gems, the creation of these treasures is truly her life’s passion.  As one customer just wrote her “Your jewelry is what I wear when I want to feel my bravest.”

 “This”, says Melinda,  “Is why I am so excited about making jewelry!”  Empowering women… one at a time!